Diet of the Squirrel Glider, Petaurus norfolcensis (Marsupialia: Petauridae), in Victoria.

Abstract

Analysis of faecal pellets from Petaurus norfolcensis in northern and central Victoria showed that it ate insects, principally Coleoptera and lepidopteran larvae obtained from the foliage of Eucalyptus and Acacia, and plant exudates, especially Eucalyptus sap and Acacia gum. Diet was broadly similar to that of its congeners P. australis and P. breviceps but differed in the ubiquitous presence of insect remains, the preponderance of caterpillars (particularly the noxious Doratifera sp.) and the relative insignificance of spiders. Eucalyptus nectar and pollen, as well as lerps, which are important to other Petaurus spp. elsewhere, appeared to be less important components of the diet of P. norfolcensis at our main study site. This result was probably due to these food items being unavailable when we collected the pellets. The items were heavily utilised at another site. The availability of pollen and nectar may be irregular and unpredictable in eucalypt open forests of low species diversity. Absence of this rich source of protein and nitrogen may be partially compensated for by the relatively high diversity and density of foliage invertebrates.